Until recently, for the most part it was more natural and easy to mediate, soothe, adjust to the needs of others so there would be compromise. It's the way he is, and it pains him to watch conflict, even more injury, happen, and not try to alleviate it.

But that is not to say that Wangji is wrong. And with all his efforts coming to such dire results, the weight that he has occasionally felt over the years has crashed down on him tenfold, crushing him with every breath.

For the moment, he shakes his head. "It does not make us other than what we are." Beat. "Other than confused."

Because.. how.

"Life is fleeting and ephemeral. The future is always uncertain, though I wonder if our future isn't already somebody's past... Either way. What you feel right and wrong are still what can guide you." Not that he can ever question that Wangji will abide by that.

"Do your best. The rest is outside of our hands."

For this moment of talking to Wangji, of being strong and certain, he feels like this world might not have seemed so dark and overwhelming had not Xichen already been overwhelmed. Yes, it is a lot to take in, but there are so many people to get to know...

And he is too tired to try.

"Everything has changed, or nothing has. And we need to cross many rivers before je know.